Protecting puppies

Although the risk of parasite infections continues throughout a dog’s life, the risk of some parasites is greatest for the young puppy.

Puppies can be severely affected as some worms can be transmitted in utero (Toxocara ) and via nursing (Toxocara canis  and Ancylostoma caninum ). These may cause serious illness before diagnosis is possible by faecal examination. For this reason, ESCCAP recommends that puppies should be treated with appropriate anthelmintics starting at 2 weeks of age. Treatment should be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks during the nursing period (depending on the anthelmintic used) and should always include all puppies in the litter as well as the nursing bitch. Any other dogs that also have access to the bitch or the litter should follow the same worming regimen as they may also develop patent infections.

Milbemax tablets for dogs are indicated for puppies from 2 weeks of age or 0.5kg and Milbemax Chewable Tablets are indicated for puppies weighing 1kg or more.